To apply for a provisional licence you will need to ensure that it is filled out correctly and that you also send the necessary fee. Along with the application you will also need to send original documents confirming your identity and a passport sized photo which has been signed by a doctor, teacher or a bank manager for example. Once these have been checked you will be sent your photo card and counterpart for a provisional licence.
After you do pass your driving test (theory & practical) you will need to exchange your pass certificate for a new full licence. Be warned, don't let all your hard work go to waste. If you don't claim your test pass and exchange it for a full licence within two years of the date you passed, you will automatically lose your entitlement to it! This means that you will have to do further driving and pass both the theory and practical tests again!
If you exchanging a provisional driving licence for a full driving licence you will need to complete the declaration on your test pass certificate and send it along with your photo card licence, paper counterpart and the correct fee to:
DVLA
SWANSEA
SA99 1BJ
If you have a full driving licence and have passed any additional test, you must complete a declaration on the pass test certificate and send to DVLA along with your photo card licence, counterpart and fee.
When you have searched through Upgear's directory, to make sure that you have chosen the right driving school for you in your specified area, it may be a good idea to contact them and check to see what driving grades their instructors have. Professional instructors have to be registered with the DSA (Driving Standards Association). Grades are given to them on their abilities by the DSA through check tests. These grades range from 1 to 6; 6 being the highest standard of ability which shows no significant weaknesses and grade 1 being bad, the instruction given is very wrong and is potentially dangerous. Ideally you should be looking for an instructor with grade 4 and above in order to receive the best possible advice and teachings when learning to drive!
Be aware, there are people out there who are unlicensed and untrained to teach and because of this, are not subject to checks and control. Their teachings can be potentially dangerous to you and other road users. Try to steer clear!
Passing your driving test is a fantastic achievement, but it need not stop there. If you have a passion for driving then you can learn to be an approved driving instructor (ADI). In order to become an ADI you need to have held a full driving licence for at least 4 years. Your driving licence also needs to be free of endorsements; however certain allowances may be made depending on the type of circumstances. Anyone with serious criminal convictions will not be accepted to train and become an Approved Driving Instructor.
To receive your ADI certificate you must pass a 3 part exam. This entails theory, driving and instructional ability.
Once you've passed the 3 part exam you must then be entered onto the register of approved driving instructors.
An option available to people who have passed their driving test is the Pass Plus Scheme. Many driving schools offer this scheme as it promotes not only a safer driver but it can also save you money on your car insurance.
The assessment carried out for this test will normally be done by your own instructor, which is great as they will already know your strengths and weaknesses and be able to help more effectively throughout the course. The Pass Plus Scheme can be taken after you've passed your test and once you've received your full licence entitlement (photo card and counterpart). The Pass Plus course costs around £100 and consists of city/town driving , country driving ,motorway driving and all weather driving. It lasts about 6 hours and once completed you'll not only be a safer driver but have the added bonus of up to 30% off your car insurance. This is especially great news for drivers under 25 yrs and is one of the best ways of bringing your insurance premiums down.
When your driving instructor feels you have reached the required level of standard for each topic you will then be told that the course is complete and sent a Pass Plus certificate through the post (which usually takes between 1 and 2 weeks to reach you).
For schools in your area which offer the pass plus scheme click search.
Advanced driving is designed for any driver who's passed their test and wishes to increase their awareness of the roads whilst improving their driving skills. Advanced training is an excellent way to put the fun back into driving, learn something new and reduce the risk of you being involved in an accident.
The test lasts around 90 minutes and usually covers 30 to 40 miles. For this test you are only allowed 6 minor faults in total whilst covering a wide variety of road types and conditions. Another added bonus to advanced training is that it reduces the level of stress whilst driving, you'll learn how to improve the level of fuel consumption and how to reduce wear and tear on your vehicle.
There are various Advanced Driving institutes which offer the opportunity to learn these extra skills, these are:
To tow a trailer or caravan over 750kg M.A.M (Maximum Authorised Mass) you now have to take a test. It costs £73.50 and lasts about 1 hour. The test teaches how to carry out an off-road reverse manoeuvre, uncoupling and coupling, performing controlled stops and on-road driving.
This course is available to anyone who has passed their test and which for any reason feels they need to refresh their knowledge and skills of driving. You can have as many lessons as you feel you need to improve your driving and confidence.
Refresher courses are also good idea if you are thinking of helping to teach your son or daughter whilst they learn with a qualified driving instructor.
If you've bought a different or new car and feel you need more confidence whilst driving it, then a refresher course could help you accomplish this whilst enjoying your car to its potential.
Residential courses allow you to travel and drive in various different surroundings. During this type of course you drive for some hours each day and take the practical test at the end. These courses give you the opportunity of relaxing in different surroundings whilst learning to drive. A lot of companies provide accommodation when you take on a residential course, plus the test fees are usually included as well.
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